I’ve already been to Madrid several times in the past and the city never ceases to amaze me. During my stays, I’ve been treated with the nicest hostels (because backpacking often includes living and travelling on a budget) and have been lucky to stay at Toc Hostel Madrid, right in the heart of El Sol and the more luxurious Praktik Metropol. Yet, this time, I was looking for something new, located in the heart of Lavapiés and La Latina, close to vintage shops, mercados, a more authentic part of the Spanish capitacl and El Rastro. And after browsing many websites and blogs, I finally stumbled upon the website of OK Hostel Madrid.
After a bumpy flight (yes, even in a two hours flight, one can manage to have an abnormal amount of turbulence), we arrived a bit early at OK Hostel. We were starving, but our rooms weren’t ready yet. However, the receptionist kindly showed us the directions to a small, yet authentic and cozy restaurant around the corner, where we could grab a bite. After some bocadillos con jamón y queso our bellies were full and we returned to the hostel where we could check in and take a short siesta (’cause what else would we be doing in Spain, right?).
Pictures: OK Hostel
And we slept like a baby. The beds were amazingly comfortable (and that says a lot, since I’m a difficult sleeper) and we didn’t suffer from any street noise at all. The rooms are painted in a combination of bright red and white and are furnitured with pale wooden desks and bed frames. Furthermore, every bed has one large locker to stock your suitcase or backpack, and a smaller locker (that can also be used as a nightstand), to secure your valuables. Don’t forget to bring your locks with you! We stayed in a four bed dormitory and I’m still surprised by how spacious our room was. The bathroom was a tiny bit smaller, but I would have gladly taken the shower home with me (no kidding!).
The property also offers a bar and a shared kitchen. However, every morning between 8h30 and 10h30 breakfast is served for solely 2 euros! A buffet of toast, cornflakes, muesli, pancakes and fresh fruit is at your fingertips. At night, OK Hostel offers some food for the hungry as well, for only 10 euros (don’t forget to register before 18h if you want to join for dinner), you get a primero, segundo and a dessert (hello delicious chocolate and lemon cake). Still can’t get enough of OK Hostel? They also offer a pub crawl at 23h. Too tired to join? The free walking tour (starting at 11h) might be more interesting for you, early bird!
Pictures: OK Hostel
And other big selling points: OK Hostel offers a great lounge to meet new people, board games, drinks for low prices, library with many many travel books, computers (to make your friends at home jealous), Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol are less than 1 kilometer away, you’re surrounded by restaurants, bars and tapas, great sangria of the house, La Latina metro station is only 200 meters away, El Rastro practically starts at the exit of the hostel and the people working there are great.
You can find more details on my trip to Madrid in a next post. But for now: book your plane ticket and reserve a spot at OK Hostel (Calle Juanelo 24, Madrid).
Snapshots & Postcards 